Clifford Dwight McDaniel Sr.

Clifford (Danny Lucas) McDaniel, 84, passed away on Wednesday, March 15th, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Jo McDaniel, and their children and grandchildren: Cliff McDaniel, Jr. and his wife Paula McDaniel; their daughters Melissa McDaniel and Kaitlyn McDaniel, and Danny Joe McDaniel: daughter Danielle McDaniel, son Joseph Lee McDaniel; step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Lisa Moya, their children: Benny, Brianna and Andrew Moya; Priscilla Moya and her daughter Gabby Dominguez; Elizabeth Moya and her children Deandra Moya, Ayden and Madelyn Quinn. Danny was born on a farm in Hemmingway, South Carolina, and was raised by his mother Lil, and his wonderful aunts and other relatives. He began playing trumpet at a young age, but then discovered that his true passion was the drums. He honed his technique and developed some serious chops, and the pros began to take notice. Due to high demand, he began touring the world as a drummer with some of the biggest acts of the day. These travels led him to Amarillo, Texas, where he met his bride-to-be, the beautiful Betty Jo. They eventually settled down in El Paso, where his mother had relocated, to raise their two young sons and offer his mother the support that she needed. He began working at the music store "The Melody Shop", and there began to grow the dream of opening up his own music store. After dreaming, saving, and carefully planning, he opened "Danny's Music Box" in 1970 - ushering in a new era for the musicians of El Paso and the surrounding area. Danny would always say, in his enthusiastic way, "Tell them where you got it!", and they did, quickly cementing him a special place in the El Paso music community. Danny had a unique understanding of the needs of his fellow musicians. Whether someone was a pro, or just starting out, he found joy in encouraging their passion for music. He always went the extra mile for others who made their living playing gigs. He lived and breathed music 24/7, 365 days a year. He brought his sons into the music business, and his passion and love for music and his desire to better the lives of those around him now transcends 4 generations. No one could ask for a better husband, father, grandfather, or friend. He gave 100% to everything he did. Visitation will be Monday, March 20th from 6:00pm until 9:00PM at Hillcrest Funeral Home on 1060 N. Carolina Drive, El Paso, TX, 79915 with Prayer Service at 7:00PM.